NYS Helping Teenagers Find Summer Jobs

New York State is allocating $25 million for The NYS Youth Summer Employment Program.   The state is hoping to put 18-thousand teenagers to work this summer.  The money will be used to pay wages for eligible teens.  In the past teenagers have worked for ABVI,  St. Mary's Hospital, etc.   In order to qualify you have to be between the ages of 14 and 20-years-old and come from a low-income families.  A family must either receive public assistance or have an income less than $37-thousand a year for a family of three.  Governor Cuomo says this program gives young people experience and skills to prepare for future employment.  "This program is so important and valuable," said Antwan Williams,  Youth Employment Coordinator at  Rochester Works.  "It gives folks real world work experience so they know the expectations of them when they are on the job site."   Last year the program helped over 11-thousand teenagers find employment.   Ajee McIntosh-Rotan has participated in the program for the past three years.   "This program is important to me because every summer it's an opportunity for me to do something productive and make my own money," said Ajee McIntosh-Rotan,  17.   To apply you must contact the social services department in your county.  For more information, you could also contact Rochester Works.